Wesley Bell

Congressman Bell Issues Statement on Corporate Landlord Accountability in St. Louis

Position: The release calls for holding out-of-state corporate landlords accountable for conditions affecting about 150 families facing displacement at Northern Village in St. Louis County, and offers constituent assistance through the congressman's office.

St. Louis, Missouri – Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) issued the following statement on the need to hold corporate landlords accountable, as about 150 Northern Village families face displacement. " My office has been in frequent touch with stakeholders in the county regarding the conditions at Northern Village. I am committed to helping these families, and I encourage any resident who needs resources to contact my office. I will also keep working to hold out-of-state companies that profit from our community accountable.” ###

Representatives Bell, Costa, Bacon, and Quigley Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen U.S. Defense Innovation Through Partnership with Ukraine

Position: The release supports introducing the bipartisan Frontline Innovation Act, which would authorize the Department of Defense's Defense Innovation Unit to evaluate and invest in Ukrainian defense technologies. The sponsors state that this would allow the United States to benefit from battlefield innovations developed in Ukraine.

The bipartisan Frontline Innovation Act would let the Defense Innovation Unit evaluate and invest in Ukrainian defense technologies Years of war have pushed Ukraine to innovate in drones, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare Bell recently returned from a bipartisan Congressional delegation trip to Ukraine Congressman Bell: "Standing with Ukraine is in America’s own interest, and the Frontline Innovation Act is a smart, practical way to do it” WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), a member of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committee, and Representatives Jim Costa (D-CA-21), Mike Quigley (D-IL-05), and Don Bacon (R-NE-02) introduced the bipartisan Frontline Innovation Act. This legislation will authorize the Department of Defense’s Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to evaluate and invest in Ukrainian defense technologies, allowing the United States to benefit directly from innovations developed and refined on the battlefield in Ukraine. "Standing with Ukraine is in America’s own interest, and the Frontline Innovation Act is a smart, practical way to do it. Every day, Ukrainian forces are developing and testing new technologies on the battlefield, providing valuable lessons that can help make our own service members safer and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow,” said Rep. Bell. "As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know our military must have the best tools and technology, and after my recent trip to Ukraine, I can see how much Ukrainian battlefield innovation has to offer. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to learn from our partners’ battlefield experience and help them continue defending their freedom.” Ukraine has emerged as a leader in developing modern defense technologies as it continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion. Ukrainian companies are developing advanced drones, unmanned systems, and electronic warfare tools that are being tested and improved under real combat conditions against a determined adversary. These innovations offer valuable opportunities to strengthen U.S. defense capabilities while supporting Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to defend its sovereignty. However, existing U.S. defense cooperation agreements have not kept pace with these technological advancements. The last U.S.-Ukraine agreement on exchanging military research and development information dates back to 2001. Although the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) has worked with the Ukrainian government and firms since 2023, legal barriers currently limit its ability to expand these partnerships and invest directly in Ukrainian defense technologies. “Ukraine has demonstrated extraordinary resilience in the face of Russia’s aggression, and Ukrainians are innovating and developing new defense technologies under some of the most challenging conditions imaginable,” said Congressman Costa. “This bipartisan bill will help strengthen our national security by investing in technologies that have been tested on the battlefield, while continuing to support Ukraine’s fight to defend its sovereignty.” “Ukraine is fighting for its survival against Putin’s illegal invasion, and its forces have been forced to innovate at an extraordinary pace,” said Rep. Bacon. “They are proving new drones, unmanned systems and electronic warfare capabilities against Russia in real combat, and our military should be learning from that experience. I’m joining Rep. Costa in introducing the bipartisan Frontline Innovation Act to help bring battlefield-proven technologies into our own defense innovation system and strengthen our military while continuing to support Ukraine’s fight for freedom.” "When Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the entire world expected Kyiv to fall within days. Instead, the strength, resilience, and innovation of Ukrainians and the Ukrainian military have kept the capital free for over four years. The United States should learn from Ukraine's battlefield innovation to strengthen and modernize our own military to ensure our forces are prepared for a new generation of threats," said Representative Mike Quigley, a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus. "The Frontline Innovation Act would enable the U.S. military to accelerate defense innovation while continuing to support Ukraine as a critical ally." Specifically, the Frontline Innovation Act would: Expand defense cooperation by authorizing the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) to evaluate and invest in Ukrainian defense technologies, notwithstanding any other provision of law. Strengthen U.S. defense capabilities by directing DIU to ensure the United States benefits from technologies developed and refined through Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. Allow technology proven in combat to reach the U.S. military faster while creating new opportunities for the American defense industrial base to gain new partners and a larger market. Support Ukraine through increased investment and cooperation, allowing both countries to collaborate on developing the next generation of defense capabilities. Congressman Bell is a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus and recently returned from a bipartisan delegation to Ukraine, where he traveled to Kyiv with a bipartisan congressional delegation. He has also signed several congressional letters urging the administration to provide Ukraine with additional weapons support and to impose new sanctions on Vladimir Putin and Russia. He also introduced the bipartisan Baltic Security Assessment Act. The full bill text can be found HERE.

Congressman Bell, Senators Rosen & Lankford Call for Defense Bill to Keep Provision Requiring Consistent Hate Symbol Policy Across Military Branches

Position: The release calls on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to retain a provision in the FY2027 NDAA requiring the Department of Defense to adopt a single, department-wide policy on hate symbols such as swastikas and nooses. It argues that inconsistent branch-level standards create enforcement gaps.

The bipartisan provision, already in both the House and Senate bills, would require one department-wide standard for swastikas, nooses, and other symbols of hate Congressman Bell, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, worked to secure the provision in the House version of the defense bill Bell also serves on the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism ICYMI from Jewish Insider: Lawmakers call for Congress to mandate creation of Pentagon hate symbols policy WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01), a member of the House Armed Services Committee, and Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and James Lankford (R-OK) called for the Senate and House Armed Services Committees to retain a provision in the final 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Department of Defense to establish a single, department-wide policy on hate symbols. Existing hate symbol policies vary across branches of military service, creating inconsistent standards and potential enforcement gaps when it comes to addressing the display of hateful imagery, including swastikas and nooses. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Bell worked to secure the provision in the House version of the annual defense bill. “This lack of uniformity makes it harder to prevent, identify, and address symbols that promote hate, and can even allow displays to go unaddressed depending on branch-specific rules,” wrote the lawmakers. “These symbols include swastikas and nooses, potent symbols of hate that have long been used to intimidate, harass, and discriminate against Jewish and Black communities.” “When symbols associated with violent extremism, racial supremacy, or targeted intimidation appear in military workplaces, they undermine unit cohesion, erode morale, and threaten the good order and discipline upon which military readiness depends,” they continued. “Our bipartisan provision, incorporated in both the Senate and House FY27 NDAAs, provides a practical path forward. By requiring the DoD to establish clear, context-based standards, update guidance for commanders and investigators, and provide training to the force, the provision will ensure that there are consistent definitions, enforcement, and accountability across components.” Bell has a record of bipartisan work against hate and extremism. In June 2025, he and Rep. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) led a letter urging social media companies to act against hate speech. Rep. Bell serves on the Bipartisan Task Force for Combating Antisemitism and is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. The full letter text can be found HERE and below: “Dear Chairmen Wicker and Rogers, and Ranking Members Reed and Smith: We write in support of a critical, bipartisan provision adopted in both the House and Senate Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to require the Department of Defense (DoD) to establish a single, department-wide hate symbol policy applicable to all servicemembers and DoD civilian employees. As you continue negotiations for the FY 2027 NDAA, we strongly urge you to retain this important bipartisan provision in the final bill. Existing DoD hate symbol policies vary across our military service branches, creating inconsistent standards and potential enforcement gaps when it comes to addressing their display. This lack of uniformity makes it harder to prevent, identify, and address symbols that promote hate, and can even allow displays to go unaddressed depending on branch-specific rules. These symbols include swastikas and nooses, potent symbols of hate that have long been used to intimidate, harass, and discriminate against Jewish and Black communities. Just last year, the US Coast Guard (USCG) was planning on implementing a policy to reclassify symbols such as the swastika and noose as “potentially divisive” symbols rather than as hate symbols. Such a change would have allowed these horrific symbols of hate to potentially be displayed in official Coast Guard workplaces and during the performance of official Coast Guard duties. It was only after repeated bipartisan pushback from Members of Congress on USCG and Department of Homeland Security leadership that this change in policy was ultimately reversed. The swastika is not potentially divisive. It is one of the most universally recognized symbols of hatred in human history. It represents antisemitism, racial supremacy, violent extremism, and the systematic persecution and murder of millions. The noose is not potentially divisive. It is a symbol of racial terror. It carries the legacy of lynching, intimidation, and violence used for generations to threaten Black Americans and deny them their fundamental rights and humanity. The USCG incident underscores why a consistent, uniform hate symbol policy is needed across DoD and across all the U.S. Armed Forces. When symbols associated with violent extremism, racial supremacy, or targeted intimidation appear in military workplaces, they undermine unit cohesion, erode morale, and threaten the good order and discipline upon which military readiness depends. Our bipartisan provision, incorporated in both the Senate and House FY27 NDAAs, provides a practical path forward. By requiring the DoD to establish clear, context-based standards, update guidance for commanders and investigators, and provide training to the force, the provision will ensure that there are consistent definitions, enforcement, and accountability across components. We ask our servicemembers to defend the Constitution and represent the very best of our country. They deserve a workplace free from symbols of intimidation, extremist affiliation, and racial or ethnic hostility. This provision helps ensure that context-based, uniform standards are clear and consistently enforced across the DoD. We therefore strongly urge you to keep this provision in the final text of the FY27 NDAA. Sincerely,” ###

Congressman Bell Calls for Greater Accountability in Local ICE Enforcement Practices

Position: The release supports local law-enforcement agencies reviewing their 287(g) agreements with ICE and opposes expanding ICE's involvement in local policing. It calls for accountability in ICE's local enforcement practices.

St. Louis, Missouri – Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) issued the following statement on the need for greater accountability and humane treatment in the practices of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). "Consistent with opposing any expansion of ICE’s involvement in local policing, I support local law-enforcement agencies reviewing their 287(g) agreements and considering whether continued participation aligns with community safety, public trust, and the appropriate use of local resources. I also recognize that decisions regarding these agreements must be addressed by the appropriate governing authorities. I support accountability regarding ICE’s involvement in local policing and encourage the appropriate authorities to review the 287(g) agreements. Any request to rescind these agreements should be directed to the officials or governing bodies with the legal authority to make that decision.”

Congressman Bell Helps Bring Billion-Dollar Navy Fighter Contract to St. Louis

Position: The release announces that Boeing Defense, Space & Security won a Navy next-generation fighter contract and states that Rep. Bell supports the contract's economic benefits and the Navy having highly capable aircraft. It also says workers should have training, wages, and protections.

Today, St. Louis-based Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) announced the company's successful bid for the U.S. Navy's next-generation carrier fighter that will replace the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet In total, the contract is worth billions and is expected to bring new, high-paying jobs for St. Louis-area workers and suppliers As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, Rep. Bell has worked to support St. Louis's defense industry and the workers who power it St. Louis, Missouri – Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) issued the following statement on the St. Louis-based Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) winning the bid for the Navy's next-generation stealth fighter. The contract is estimated to be worth billions and will bring jobs to the St. Louis region and help spur economic growth. "For decades, St. Louis has been a cornerstone of America’s aerospace and defense industrial base, helping build the aircraft and advanced capabilities that keep our nation and allies safe. Throughout that time, Boeing Defense, Space & Security has been at the front lines of innovation, powered by the proud and dedicated machinists, engineers, and skilled tradespeople who call this region home. This win underscores that unwavering commitment to our national security and reflects the unparalleled skill that local machinists bring to crafting every aircraft. As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I know how vital it is that our Navy has the most capable aircraft in the world, and this contract moves us one step closer to putting that capability in the hands of our naval aviators. This award is a proud moment for our entire region, and I'll keep fighting to make sure St. Louis remains at the center of America's national security, defense, and aerospace. That means making sure this investment delivers for our families, and that the people doing the work have the training, wages, and protections they deserve." ###

Congressman Bell Announces Over $2 Million for Missouri HBCUs

Position: Congressman Bell announced over $2 million in federal Title III funding for Missouri HBCUs Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University and stated that adequate federal funding allows these institutions to educate students for generations. He said he will continue to advocate for resources for Missouri's HBCUs.

Today, Congressman Bell announced $2,677,061 for Missouri Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University Congressman Bell: “With adequate federal funding, they [HBCUs] can continue to educate Black Americans from Missouri and beyond for generations to come” Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) announced over $2 million in federal funding for Missouri Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Harris-Stowe State University and Lincoln University are set to receive $1,093,222 and $1,583,839, respectively. Harris-Stowe State University is in Congressman Bell’s district. "HBCUs have long punched above their weight," said Congressman Bell. "And with adequate federal funding, they can continue to be the great equalizer for Black students (and students of all backgrounds) from Missouri and beyond for generations to come. I'll keep fighting to make sure our state's historic HBCUs have the resources they need to thrive." Congressman Bell has long supported our nation’s HBCUs. Earlier this year, he secured a $1.03 million federal investment for Harris-Stowe to advance its Urban Policing initiatives and modernize the university's IT infrastructure. Additionally, Rep. Bell has supported several legislative efforts advocating for funding for HBCUs during the annual government funding process. This funding is part of the U.S. Department of Education's Title III Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Program, which provides federal support to strengthen HBCUs' academic resources, facilities, and student services.

Congressman Bell Introduces Bipartisan Legislation to Cut Bureaucratic Red Tape, Delivering Disaster Relief Without Delay

Position: Supports the Relief Without Delay Act, which would keep FEMA disaster aid flowing during government shutdowns, increase transparency in disaster relief spending, and fund tornado detection, warning systems, and community storm shelters.

Today, Congressman Wesley Bell announced the introduction of his bipartisan Relief Without Delay Act The bill keeps disaster aid flowing during shutdowns, cuts bureaucratic delays, and invests in tornado preparedness The legislation builds on Bell’s previous efforts to overhaul the disaster aid process Congressman Bell: “When a disaster tears through your community, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether Washington's dysfunction will delay your recovery needs” From STLPR: Bell pushes disaster response package as St. Louis seeks more federal aid Washington, D.C. — Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) and Jeff Hurd (R-CO-03) led 20 of their colleagues in introducing the Relief Without Delay Act, a bipartisan bill that would ensure the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster aid continues flowing to families and communities during a government shutdown. Additionally, the bill would bring new transparency to how disaster relief dollars are spent, and strengthen the nation's tornado detection, warning systems, and community storm shelters. "When a disaster tears through your community, the last thing you should have to worry about is whether Washington's dysfunction will delay your recovery needs," said Congressman Wesley Bell. "I've seen this devastation firsthand in St. Louis. Families who’ve lost everything need help to come fast, not get caught up in bureaucratic red tape. The Relief Without Delay Act makes sure disaster aid never stops, brings real transparency to how those dollars are spent, and invests in tornado warning systems and storm shelters that save lives. Recovery isn’t a partisan issue. It is a promise we keep to every American, no matter what." “When disaster strikes, families, local governments, and first responders should be able to count on the federal government to do its job, regardless of what is happening in Washington,” said Congressman Jeff Hurd. “Communities across Colorado’s Third District know how important a timely and reliable federal response is when facing wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters. I’m proud to be an original cosponsor of the Relief Without Delay Act to help ensure FEMA can continue supporting disaster response and recovery without interruption, while bringing greater transparency and accountability to how federal disaster dollars are delivered.” After the devastating tornadoes in Missouri last year, Rep. Bell has repeatedly pushed to hold the Trump Administration accountable and to ensure families receive the necessary post-disaster recovery assistance. In October 2025, he introduced the FEMA Operations Continuity Act to ensure FEMA can continue providing disaster relief during lapses in government funding. In February 2026, he introduced the FEMA Accountability Act, requiring FEMA to publicly report monthly on disaster relief fund expenditures.​ Most recently, Congressman Bell introduced the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Automated Assessment Act, “CDBG AAA,” which seeks to improve how the federal government identifies and addresses unmet housing, infrastructure, and economic recovery needs after major disasters. In addition to Representatives Bell and Hurd, cosponsors supporting this measure include Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-FL-23), Troy A. Carter (D-LA-02), Sanford D. Bishop (D-GA-02), Kweisi Mfume (D-MD-07), Brad Sherman (D-CA-32), Cleo Fields (D-LA-06), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL-25), Christian D. Menefee (D-TX-18), Robert Garcia (D-CA-42), Henry C. "Hank" Johnson (D-GA-04), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA-10), Frank J. Mrvan (D-IN-01), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jill N. Tokuda (D-HI-02), Darren Soto (D-FL-09), Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL-08), Eric Sorensen (D-IL-17), and Josh Riley (D-NY-19). The Relief Without Delay bill text can be found HERE. One-pager of the bill can be found HERE.

Congressman Bell Leads Members of Missouri Delegation in Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Partnership with Panama

Position: The release commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program and supports deepening cooperation between Missouri and Panama, including cybersecurity cooperation language in the FY26 NDAA.

The resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of the Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program Additionally, the legislation celebrates the enduring partnership between the State of Missouri and the Republic of Panama The Missouri-Panama State Partnership Program was established in 1996 through the National Guard Bureau’s State Partnership Program Congressman Bell: “For thirty years, Missouri and Panama have stood together as partners and as friends” Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) led four bipartisan members of Missouri’s Congressional delegation in introducing a resolution commemorating 30 years of partnership between Missouri and Panama. "For thirty years, Missouri and Panama have stood together as partners and as friends," said Congressman Bell. "What began in 1996 as a National Guard partnership has grown into something far greater – three decades of shared training, disaster response, and cooperation that have made both Missouri and Panama safer and stronger. This partnership is proof that one of America's greatest strengths lies in our alliances and the relationships we build with nations who share our values. I'm proud to lead this resolution honoring those who have sustained this friendship, and I look forward to deepening these ties for the next thirty years and beyond." “For 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panama’s Public Forces have built a partnership grounded in trust, shared values and a commitment to strengthening our communities and our countries. What began as a military partnership has grown into a lasting relationship that reaches across education, trade, culture, and diplomacy. This anniversary is an opportunity to recognize the men and women who have helped build this partnership and to reaffirm our commitment to the strong ties between Missouri and Panama for years to come,” said Congressman Mark Alford (R-MO-04). Since coming to Congress, Congressman Bell has made it a priority to maintain and strengthen the relationship between Missouri and Panama. During the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), he worked to support language to strengthen cybersecurity cooperation between Panama and Missouri. Recently, Congressman Bell met with Panama's Ambassador to the U.S., José Miguel Alemán Healy. The National Guard's State Partnership Program (SPP) links U.S. states with partner nations around the world to build enduring military and civilian relationships, strengthen security cooperation, and advance shared interests. Established in 1996, the Missouri-Panama partnership is one of the program's longest-running, spanning three decades of joint training, disaster-response coordination, and exchanges that have strengthened both Missouri and Panama. Over the past 30 years, the Missouri National Guard and Panamanian forces have worked side by side on everything from emergency preparedness to humanitarian assistance, forging bonds that extend well beyond the military and into a broader friendship between the people of Missouri and the Republic of Panama. In addition to Congressman Bell, the bipartisan resolution was also co-led by members of Missouri’s Congressional Delegation, including Representatives Emanuel Cleaver II (D-MO-05), Ann Wagner (R-MO-02), Mark Alford (R-MO-04), and Sam Graves (R-MO-06). The Missouri-Panama State Partnership resolution text can be found HERE.

Bell, Wagner Introduce St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform Act to Hold USPS Accountable for Delayed Mail

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representatives Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.) introduced the St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform (STL Up To PAR) Act, to direct the United States Postal Service (USPS) to submit a report to Congress on mail and package delivery service performance in the St. Louis region. In 2025, two audits by the U.S. Postal Service Office of the Inspector General (OIG) documented longstanding operational challenges that have caused persistent mail delays for residents across the St. Louis region. The OIG provided a list of detailed recommendations to improve service, and Postmaster General Steiner has since engaged constructively with Congress on corrective actions. This legislation builds on that momentum by requiring USPS to document delivery performance benchmarked against national averages, workforce conditions including vacancy and turnover rates, the status of corrective actions on all OIG recommendations, and the management systems in place to prevent recurrence. “The mail delays in the St. Louis region have gone on for far too long,” said Rep. Bell. “I’ve heard from constituents who wait for weeks on prescription medications, benefit checks, and utility notices — mail that can't be late. The St. Louis ‘Up To PAR’ Act will give us real accountability for whether USPS is delivering on its commitments.” “I constantly hear complaints from constituents and neighbors about the complete lack of accountability in the United States Postal Service (USPS) and their frequent inability to deliver mail and critical packages like medications on time,” said Rep. Wagner. “People rely on this service, and we expect the Postal Service to do their job and deliver the mail on time. I have brought in USPS leadership to hold them accountable for their service failures, but it’s clear more needs to be done. The St. Louis Postal Accountability and Reform Act will provide for clear service benchmarks so we can ensure they are fixing these problems on an appropriate timeline and with full transparency. This is a bipartisan issue, and I appreciated working across the aisle in the St. Louis region with Congressman Bell to make sure government works for you.” The St. Louis Up To PAR Act is designed not to penalize USPS, but to give both Congress and constituents a clear picture of where things stand and where work remains. The bill is also co-sponsored by Nikki Budzinski (D-Ill.), Mike Bost (R-Ill.), and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.). Read the full bill text HERE.

Bell Baltic Bill Passes Out of House Foreign Affairs Committee

Position: Representative Bell supports the Baltic Security Assessment Act, which requires the State and Defense Departments to assess threats to Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania and identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.–Baltic defense cooperation and NATO's collective defense posture.

Washington, D.C.— Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.)’s Baltic Security Assessment Act of 2025, a bipartisan measure to ensure the United States maintains a clear, comprehensive understanding of the threats facing Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania from hostile actors, including Russia, China, Iran, Belarus, and North Korea, passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee with a 41-3 vote. Under the legislation, the Secretary of State, in coordination with the Secretary of Defense, will be required to deliver a detailed report to Congress within 180 days assessing emerging military, cyber, hybrid, and political threats to the Baltic nations. The report will also identify opportunities to strengthen U.S.–Baltic defense cooperation, reinforce the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) collective defense posture, bolster cybersecurity infrastructure, and enhance democratic resilience in the region. “The Baltic States are among our most steadfast and reliable allies, standing on the frontlines of Russian aggression and other merging threats. Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania continue to invest heavily in their defense and are upholding their commitments within NATO amidst an increasingly complex security landscape,” said Rep. Bell. “The Baltic Security Assessment Act will provide the United States with a clearer, more comprehensive understanding of the evolving threats facing the region. I'm glad to see this bill pass out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and the House must now act to get this bill signed into law so we can strengthen our support for the Baltics and stay ahead of growing hybrid threats.” The Baltic Security Assessment Act is co-led by Reps. Salud Carbajal (D-Calif.) and Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and has 80 bipartisan co-sponsors. The bill is being led in the Senate by Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill) and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa). The legislation is endorsed by The Joint Baltic American National Committee. Rep. Bell is a member of the bipartisan House Baltic Caucus and the bipartisan Congressional Ukraine Caucus.